Hummingbird Encounters

 Movement at the window caught my attention.At first  I could not tell if it was inside or outside first. 

Secondly, it looked like a huge bug spider insect, I couldn't tell so I stood still in the center of the cabin and watched.  

Seconds later I recognized the shadow and all anxiety was transformed into care and concern for this precious hummingbird trapped between the window and the curtain.

This tiny fragile and precious creature would soon wear itself out. So I moved cautiously towards and lifted the curtain to try and rescue it.

Ever so gently, I cupped my hands around its fluttering wings. I don't know if she made any sounds (i cannot hear her frequency). But as one tiny foot grasped my cuff she looked up. Our eyes met.

God she was beautiful. I felt her tiny heart beating Very rapidly. I kept eye contact 

and walked cautiously to the open door.

Her wings were still in the palm of my hand . Her foot held my sleeve,her eye held mine. Was it fear that I would eat her? Was it gratitude for rescuing her? Or boldness scolding me for having such bright red curtains that drew her into my cabin? 

Pushing the screen aside with my shoulder,I realized the screen was a reddish sheer curtain.

The wind swept this tiny  bit of feathers into flight right out of my open hands.

She was so light it seemed she weighed nothing. 

I wished her well and felt rewarded by her presence.

Yet, to prevent future entrapment i took down the red curtain screen immediately. And solemnly, with a deep sense of purpose, hung the black screen in its place. 

Years ago I rescued a hummingbird which was entrapped in a spider web near a door.

Both were sacred encounters with divinity in creation. 

I recalled finding,observing and cautiously photographing a miniature nest with 3 tinier eggs and waited for Momma Hummer to return to the nest.

What remarkable experiences have blessed me along this life path.

 Another time as I sat quietly observing a desert spring, a hummer was repeatedly attracted to my red backpack and hat.

Even more astonishing was the hummingbird moth who tried to drink from the reflective lens of my glasses. I felt the movement of air on my nose as it hovered in front of my face.

I  cherish these tiny creatures and am humbled by their beauty and focus on life's essentials...water food..safe shelter.

I give thanks to Creator God for allowing me to have these wondrous experiences.

That this rescue happened on the day of the Orlando terror attack  speaks to me that even in the midst of a horrific event God's creatures can still be beautiful.

Thank you. 

MERCI 

danke schoen.

May 18,2018

Haiti too!

 Haiti is also needing assistance. 

A 7.2 earthquake disaster will capture almost anyone’s attention. There was one last Saturday(August 14, 2021) about 100 miles from the Capitol city Port au Prince.

This island country faces hurricanes nearly every year due to its location. Perhaps the only time you hear about Haiti is when there IS a hurricane, or major political disruption.

I invite you to give attention today. Not only is this tropical island hot, it has glorious beaches and breathtaking mountains. Look at a map to understand a little bit about the normal challenges to transportation.

This was a substantial earthquake.

The entire western border of Haiti is the sea! It is about 60 miles across water to eastern rural Cuba. There are no boat companies that make this trip.  Likewise, there are no commercial boats from Haiti to Florida , which is about 800 miles north of this island.

The country depends on profitable beach vacations for a primary source of income. There are no ferries or small boats to rely upon.  Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were two major cruise lines which have private docks. I don’t know if they have resumed activities.

The eastern side of Haiti borders on the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola. Christopher Columbus colonized this island.

Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Its crime rate is also the highest, often with armed gangs. The language most spoken is French Creole whereas in the neighboring Dominican Republic the primary language is Spanish.

The government has an unstable history and many years of corruption impede international aide. 95% of the people are of African origin. Most of these people are poor and live in small rural villages with minimal access to electricity or clean water, even in normal conditions.

I have never been to Haiti. I learned this from various students and missionaries who have lived there. As a consequence, I have studied the history of this beleaguered yet beautiful island.

I invite you to pray 🙏 for these people too.

While you are thinking of people in need of assistance, remember those in North Carolina where major flooding has caused extensive damage. Estimates today about costs to recover might be around $3.9 million dollars.

Meanwhile, the wildfires in Northern California continue beyond control. Many people have been evacuated. Excessive heat compounds the damages to property and risks to firefighters.

So, there are many people in need of courage and comfort AND basic things like food, shelter, water and clean air. Sadly, this is not going away very soon. 

We live on this planet 🌎 Earth and must mend our ways to better care for people, plants, animals and our homes on Earth.

🌻🙏🌟

SEEK PEACE

 As Afghanistan is entangled with chaos and anxiety and the world watches evacuations which remind me of refugees fleeing VietNam, I am also reminded of Nazi persecution during WW I I. 

I hear the folk song from Peter, Paul and Mary:” when will they ever learn”. 🎶 

It can not remain “they”. We are all connected.

On land or sea or air

 we have a truly remarkable planet!

To be continued…

Think about it

Helen Keller declared:      

 We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others.

———-///////——-////——-!!!

Though Helen Keller was not born blind and deaf,due to illness she lost the ability to see and hear  when she was 19 months old. 

Think about THAT! 

It is hard to imagine how she had such a positive approach to life. 

After she learned how to communicate, Helen Keller was an inspiration for many people who couldn’t see or hear, but also for those folks who could see AND hear.

You can learn more about her life, education, and social impact and international reputation here:

https://www.history.com/topics/womens-rights/helen-keller

Ever since I saw the movie “The Miracle Worker”, I have marveled at her capacity to learn and to continue to work for a better life for those with disabilities. 

We have lived in different times but I would have loved to meet Helen Keller. She has been an inspiration for me for years.

I invite you to pause the next time you see a toddler. Consider the many different ways she/he expresses herself and processes new input. 

Think of the challenges that Helen Keller faced every day (especially at that age).

Each of our senses is a blessing.

🌟🖐 👂 👁 👃 👅🌟

Be thankful.

Keystone Pipeline

Keystone Pipeline has been STOPPED!

 Thank you, President Biden!

The protests continued for 10 years. 

And

Thank you Coast Protectors!